297 - Does Every Dog Need A Lepto Vaccine
Dr. Jane Sykes joins us as we dive into the 2023 ACVIM Consensus Statement on leptospirosis. In this episode, Dr. Andy Roark is joined by Dr. Jane Sykes, a renowned small animal internist at UC Davis College of Veterinary Medicine and editor of Greene's Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat. Dr. Sykes emphasizes the growing importance of leptospirosis vaccination for all dogs, including those in urban areas. Dr. Sykes provides insights into recent advances in leptospirosis diagnostics, prevention, and the disease’s zoonotic potential, explaining how the updated consensus reflects new knowledge and data on this pathogen. She highlights critical details, such as new safety guidelines for veterinary staff when handling suspect cases and ways to improve accuracy in diagnosing leptospirosis. Dr. Sykes also shares her personal experiences with leptospirosis, underlining the importance of awareness, timely diagnosis, and vaccination for better patient and staff safety. This episode is packed with valuable information for veterinary professionals who want to keep their practices informed and up to date on infectious disease protocols.
LINKS Updated ACVIM Consensus Statement on Leptospirosis in Dogs: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jvim.16903 CDC Leptospirosis in Animals: https://www.cdc.gov/leptospirosis/pets/index.html Uncharted's Practice Owner Summit: https://unchartedvet.com/practice-owner-summit-2024
ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Jane Sykes is a powerhouse in veterinary medicine and infectious disease research! A professor at UC Davis with board certification in Small Animal Internal Medicine, she holds degrees in veterinary science, a PhD, an MBA, and a public health certification. Renowned for her work on infectious diseases in pets, Dr. Sykes has published extensively and earned numerous awards for her research on zoonotic diseases. Her passion for teaching and her impressive expertise make her a top voice in veterinary health and public safety—so prepare to be inspired and informed as we dive into her world!
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Simparica Trio here!
Office Hours w/ Dr. Andy Roark
Inside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.
Register for Office Hours here!
Sign up for the Early Career Newsletter here!
Uncharted Practice Manager's Summit
Last Chance to Register is June 1st 2026 - Tell your managers! Registration is only $199 and they can save 20% with code MANAGER
